DCS Maint Specialist

DCS Maintenance Specialist - Power Plant (Big Bend)

Employment Type: Direct Hire (Full-Time Permanent Position)

Location: North Ruskin, FL (Zip Code: 33572) - Onsite

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (9/80 schedule - every other Friday off)

Position Overview

This is a direct hire opportunity with our utilities client supporting critical power generation operations at the Big Bend Power Plant.

The DCS Maintenance Specialist is responsible for supporting and maintaining the plant's Distributed Control System (DCS), ensuring the reliability, integrity, and performance of all control system hardware, software, and associated instrumentation.

This is a highly critical, plant-facing role that supports real-time operations. The individual will work closely with control room operators, maintenance teams, and IT to troubleshoot issues, implement control logic changes, and maintain continuous, safe plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot Distributed Control System (DCS) and Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems to ensure safe and reliable plant operations

Serve as a primary point of contact for control room operators, diagnosing and resolving real-time system, process, and equipment issues

Maintain and support DCS hardware, software, and control logic, including system backups, modifications, upgrades, and performance optimization

Perform routine system backups and ensure overall system health, integrity, and reliability of control system environments

Implement, modify, and document DCS logic and plant communications in alignment with operational and cybersecurity requirements

Administer user access, domains, and permissions within plant control system networks

Partner with IT and security teams to ensure cybersecurity compliance, including adherence to standards such as NERC CIP

Troubleshoot plant instrumentation and sensors, ensuring proper integration with control systems and accurate process monitoring

Maintain and support third-party process monitoring and control applications (e.g., Asset Centre, RSLogix, and similar tools)

Engage with equipment manufacturers and external vendors to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues

Support plant modifications, outages, and improvement initiatives by implementing or adjusting control system logic and configurations

Participate in predictive maintenance efforts (e.g., vibration analysis, condition monitoring, oil analysis) to proactively identify and prevent equipment failures

Assist with maintenance planning, outage coordination, and forecasting to support reliable plant operations

Provide technical guidance and support to plant personnel, maintenance staff, and contractors; contribute to small projects as needed

Identify opportunities to improve system performance, reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and optimize operational efficiency

Day-to-Day Environment

Approximately 70-75% control room/desk work (system monitoring, troubleshooting, operator support)

Approximately 25-30% field work, including inspecting and troubleshooting instrumentation and control system components throughout the plant

Frequent interaction with operations, maintenance, engineering, and vendor teams

Participation in an on-call rotation supporting plant operations during off-hours, emergencies, and storm response events

Required Qualifications

5+ years of experience in a process plant or industrial control environment (power generation strongly preferred)

Hands-on experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) (Emerson Ovation, ABB, GE, or similar)

Experience developing, modifying, and troubleshooting DCS logic and control systems

Experience maintaining, repairing, and supporting DCS hardware and associated systems

Strong understanding of industrial control systems, plant processes, and instrumentation

Ability to troubleshoot across control systems, hardware, and field instrumentation

Experience working cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, IT, and vendors

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a power generation or regulated utility environment

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Familiarity with control network communications and cybersecurity standards (e.g., NERC CIP)

Experience with PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, and industrial automation systems

ISA or Instrumentation & Controls certifications

Experience with predictive maintenance programs and condition-based monitoring

Key Traits for Success

Strong process-oriented mindset with an understanding of how plant systems operate end-to-end

High ownership and accountability in resolving critical, real-time issues

Detail-oriented with the ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments

Strong collaboration skills and ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical teams

Additional Details

Fully onsite role in an industrial plant environment (heat, noise, dust, confined spaces, etc.)

Must be comfortable performing fieldwork and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Ability to work at heights, climb ladders, and navigate industrial structures

Participation in on-call rotation is required, including emergency and storm response support

Pre-employment requirements include background check, drug screening, and physical/medical evaluation as required

This role requires participation in emergency and storm response activities as needed to support critical utility operations

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company matching

Pension plan

Paid time off and paid holidays

Tuition assistance program

Employee assistance program

Wellness programs and on-site fitness centers

Bonus eligibility and additional incentive programs

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).